Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
Call Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Call Utah Criminal Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers / Former Prosecutors
Call 801-449-1409 now to see what our criminal defense team can do for you.
Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start HereSM

Finding a Felony Defense LawyerChoosing a Misdemeanor Defense LawyerDrug and Alcohol Crimes Defense LawyerWhite Collar Defense Attorney for Utah ChargesAttorney for Expungements Reductions and PardonsDefendant Constitutional Rights Criminal LawyerBail and Bond Alternatives in UtahReasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Discharge of Firearm Utah - Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake

Under Utah law, discharging a firearm can be a criminal offense under some circumstances. If you are facing prosecution for discharging a firearm or for other criminal charges, Stephen Howard can help ensure that your rights are protected. As an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney, he has a record of success in defending clients facing firearms charges and  many other criminal offenses in Utah. He has a record of achieving real results for his clients. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with Stephen Howard.

Elements of a  Firearm Discharge Criminal Case in Utah

Under the Utah criminal code, section 76-10-508, it is a crime to discharge a firearm from an automobile or other vehicle. The same section of the Utah criminal code also prohibits shooting a gun "from, upon, or across any highway" as well as shooting at road signs, railroad equipment or facilities, communications equipment including lines, poles or other transmission equipment and also within certain distances from houses and other buildings. Although this section of the Utah criminal code designates this charge as a misdemeanor, there are circumstances under which discharging a gun can be filed as a felony.

Utah Code 76-10-508.1 creates felony penalties for discharging a firearm under a variety of circumstances. If the firearm is discharged in the direction of any person, vehicle, or "habitable structure" then felony penalties can apply.

Possible Penalties for a Conviction for Discharging a Firearm in Utah

Whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor prosecution, prosecutors and judges take all firearms charges seriously. A felony conviction for unlawful discharge of a firearm under Utah Code 76-10-508.1 is punishable by a prison term of not less than three years. Depending on whether injuries are caused as a result of the firearm discharge, maximum penalties can be imposed for terms of up to 5 years, 15 years, or potentially life in prison. A misdemeanor conviction for unlawful discharge of a firearm under Utah Code 76-10-508 is punishable by up to six months in jail.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City

Stephen Howard is an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney who represents clients charged with firearms violations and other criminal offenses throughout the state. His track record speaks for itself. If you are facing criminal prosecution for the unlawful discharge of a firearm, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard offers legal services to clients throughout Utah.  If you have been charged with a crime, contact us to learn how Stephen Howard can help you.


Best Rating
Make a Payment to Your Account
Get Help Now
Name: Email: Phone: Describe your legal needs here:
I accept the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is established by the use of this form. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be submitted through this form. By clicking 'submit' I am only requesting that I be contacted for the purpose of obtaining legal services.

This form protected by reCAPTCHA.

  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense AttorneyDismissed - Contractor was charged with theft by deception for allegedly misusing customer funds and failing to complete work that had been agreed upon. A successful motion to quash on legal grounds following the bindover order at preliminary hearing resulted in a complete dismissal of all charges.
  • Minor Possession Alcohol - MIP AttorneyDismissed - Minor in possession charge (MIP) was dismissed by prosecutor when defense analysis demonstrated that the police had failed to obtain necessary evidence against client. Police had raided a large party involving underage drinking. Several individuals were charged, but police did not obtain evidence showing that client had personally consumed or possessed alcohol. Case was dismissed.
  • Utah 402 Reduction Attorney Felony Reduced - Client with prior felony conviction was granted a 402 reduction to the misdemeanor level over the objection of the prosecutor. Based on information provided to the court in support of the defense motion, the judge ruled in favor of the defense.
  • Utah Burglary Defense Attorney Not Guilty - Client was charged with second-degree felony residential burglary and facing potential prison time. Investigation by the defense revealed multiple witnesses, missed by police and prosecutors, who supported client's claim of innocence. At trial, the jury returned a "not guilty" verdict on all charges.
Best Criminal Defense Strategy

Aggressive is good. Effective is better. The best defense strategy in any given criminal case can require in-depth analysis of the facts and a thorough understanding of applicable statutes, case law, and complex procedural and evidentiary rules. Having an experienced attorney on your side....

Strategy »
Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Our criminal defense lawyers have represented clients facing some of the most serious felony charges on the books in Utah. Whether you are facing prosecution for felony or misdemeanor charges, you can be assured that our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and determination necessary to help you achieve the results you need. Choosing the best defense attorney for your case will be one of the most important decisions you make....

Experience »
Conviction Consequences in Utah Criminal Prosecutions

Jail time, prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the lifetime collateral consequences of having a criminal conviction on your record - all of these and more are at stake when you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah. Understanding what is at risk is critical. Even so-called "minor" misdemeanor cases can have serious consequences....

Consequences »
Utah Criminal Attorney - Reasons to Hope

An arrest is not a conviction. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, it can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are things you can do right now that can increase your chances of a good outcome. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate the various options available to you and help develop a strategy for success....

Reasons to Hope »
Home | Attorney Profile | Case Results | Criminal Code | FAQ | Legal Resources | Defense Strategy | Contact Us

Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.

Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.

Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041

Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.

In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.

Stephen W. Howard, PC

The materials in this website are intended for informational purposes only, and are not legal advice. Viewing or responding to materials in this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Read Full Disclaimer.